Sing Sing Prison Concert

Humanizing Prisoners
This film takes us inside 1970s Sing Sing Prison on Thanksgiving Day for a rare concert! Baez's voice is amazing and BB rocks the house! The East Harlem group is exceptional.
In addition to the spectacular performances is a rare look inside one of America's prisons and we meet a few inmates which give a more humanizing view of these people. Watching them watch the concert is the icing on this cake.

For hardcore fans only
Excellent but short performances by B.B. King and Joan Baez. Most of the film is a documentary (with concert performances mixed in). Film and editing quality is mixed (mostly poor). Most of documentary is shot by inmates. Sound quality is poor. Advertised as Dolby Digital 2.0, but it sure sounds like mono to me.

A great film and a rare treat
This is a recording of a 1972 Thanksgiving Day concert in New York's Sing Sing prison. Initiated by a group of prison inmates, the show features B. B. King, Joan Baez, Mimi Farina, the Voices of East Harlem, and comedian Jimmy Walker. The performances are short but powerful. As important as the performances, though, are the insights that the movie provides into the lives of the inmates and the operation of the prison itself. It includes interviews with inmates, employees and performers, and so provides several different viewpoints of the same sad situation. More than entertainment, the movie is also an education.

Click to Editorial Reviews